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2 labourers bag 14 months imprisonment for stealing bag of rice

NAN-H-22

Imprisonment

By Martha Nuhu

Jos, Sept. 21, 2016 (NAN) A Jos Chief Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday sentenced two labourers, Friday Duro, 21, and Friday Audu, 22, to 14 months in prison for stealing a bag of rice.

The duo, who reside at Jenta Adamu Street in Jos are facing a two-count charge of criminal trespass and theft.

The Magistrate, Mr Jovita Binjin, sentenced them after they pleaded guilty to the crime and pleaded for leniency.

In their plea they said that hunger led them to crime.

“It was hunger that led us to do it, we have stayed without food for days and we needed money to buy food.

“Have mercy on us we will not do it again,’’ they pleaded.

The magistrate in his ruling said that the accused were sentenced to four months in prison for trespass.

“I hereby sentence you to four months in prison for the offence of trespass or pay a fine of N 2, 000 and 10 months in prison for the offence of theft or a fine of N 3, 000,’’ the magistrate ruled.

He said that the sentence was meant to serve as a deterrent to those who might want to engage in similar acts.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Sgt. Thomas Amuku, told the court that one Agbat Luke, a security man attached to the Satellite Market, Jos, arrested the accused and handed them over to the police on Sept. 20.

Amuku said “the accused persons trespassed into the market and broke into a shop to steal but were apprehended’’.

He said that during police investigation, the accused confessed to stealing a bag of rice belonging to one Asabe Amos.

The prosecutor said that the accused admitted selling the bag of rice to one Mrs Asabe Alechenu for N 3, 000.

He said that the accused went back to steal another bag of rice but luck ran out on them and they were apprehended.

Amuku said that the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 348 and 287 of the Penal Code. (NAN)

ADY/DEB/SN

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(Edited by Debo Oshundun, controlled by Silas Nwoha)

NAN-HE-14
Entrepreneurship
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, Sept. 21, 2016 (NAN) The Nigeria Rebirth Project (NRP), a Non-Government Youth Oriented Organisation, has earmarked
N200 million seed capital to help four Nigerian youths to establish
a local content-driven company through a reality show.

The National Co-coordinator of the project, Mr Isaac Balami, said
this during the project’s maiden conference with the theme “Activating the Secret Wealth of Nigeria” in Abuja.

Balami said the group had designed the first-ever youth-oriented and national development reality show called “The Labour Room’’ with the aim of repositioning the mind-set of Nigerians anywhere in the world.

He added that the group was interested in developing the local content and creating jobs directly and indirectly through conscious effort to bring 37 young Nigerians together as housemates for 60 days.

According to him, final four housemates will emerge as winners of the Labour Room and will be funded with the N200 million seed capital to build the company.

“The seed funding will be used to secure the future of both the contestants and that of their future employees and will be allocated via shares, with the first-place winner allocated the largest share.

“This will be an indigenous business, employing and empowering Nigerians with items made in Nigeria for Nigerians.

“An advisory board of experienced and competent Nigerians has been set up to oversee the activities and progress of the company to ensure maximum utilisation of the resources and effective results.’’

Balami said the company that would be created would be co-owned by the four winning house mates, who would then be trained and coached to ensure its sustainability and productivity.

He explained that the organisation was in talks with private, national and multinational companies on providing employment slots for registered contestants at the end of the show.

The national coordinator said the viewership of the show was predicted
at over 60 million internationally, including national leaders, government officials, captains of industry and key players in national development.

He explained that the show would be viewed across the globe via Africa Magic, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Peoples TV, Ebony Live and a reality TV Channel on DSTV, among others.

The objectives, according to him, include enabling and creating thousands of employment opportunities across the country by empowering the winning housemates with seed capital to build a new business.

“This way, youths will be practically involved in solving national issues,
as well as inspiring the true spirit of patriotism in Nigeria to support government’s effort in creating a new social culture.

“The show will also promote, encourage, push local content, showcase and infuse cultural differences and eventually provide a nationalistic outlook by further showing the strength of each state through its resources and people.

“It will support the growth of entrepreneurship in Nigeria and build strong leadership qualities in the house mates and in the minds of the African viewers.

“It will define and create a blueprint that will move to correct the ills in the economy and develop healthy systems for Nigerian society.’’

Balami said that Nigeria Rebirth Project was an initiative of passionate Nigerians from all walks of life with a collective and dedicated aim to restructure the deep yearnings for an enabling framework.

He explained that the initiative was borne out of strong passion for a brand new and a better Nigeria with the mission to rebuild it through intelligent, innovative and sustainable project.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured the
unveiling of the group’s projects such as the Labour Room, Africa Rebirth Television, custodian and pillars of the nation awards. (NAN)
OYS/MO/HA
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(Edited by Morayo.Omolade/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu)

World Bank to partner Akwa Ibom Govt. on N52bn erosion project

NAN-AE-3

Erosion
Uyo, Sept. 21, 2016 (NAN) The Akwa Ibom Government says it is partnering with the World Bank to execute erosion control project worth N52 billion on IBB Way in Uyo, the state capital.

The State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, disclosed this on Wednesday in Uyo at a news briefing to mark the 29th anniversary of the creation of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state was created on Sept. 23, 1987 by the administration of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida alongside Katsina state.

Udom said that the state government was committed to providing a lasting solution to the perennial flooding on IBB Way and in some parts of the state capital.

“The cost of taking water in that area, which is almost below sea level is exorbitant, especially at the current exchange rate in the country.

“IBB is a peculiar situation, we can’t do it alone, I must confess, I cannot find N52billion anywhere, which is why I am partnering World Bank.

“World Bank has agreed to partner with Akwa Ibom to control the erosion; right now they are reviewing our design.

“Once we finish with the design and the process, World Bank has promised that to include it in its budget,” Emmanuel said.

The governor further disclosed that the World Bank had promised to release $2million to the state so that work can start at some of the erosion sites.

Emmanuel said that he was optimistic that World Bank assistance would go a long way to help the state to eliminate flooding.

The governor then appealed to the people of the state to bear with the government on the issue of flooding, assuring them that flooding would soon be a thing of the past.

Emmanuel said that the state government had already spent billions of naira to control erosion in the Udo Udoma Avenue, still in the state capital.

The governor said that the state government had contracted Julius Berger Construction Company to construct the artificial drainage to remove flood in most parts of the state capital.

NAN recalls that the immediate past administration of Chief Godswill Akpabio had spent N13.6 billion to construct pipe jacking tunnel to remove flood in Uyo but some parts are still experiencing flood. (NAN)
SDB/BB/AFA
Edited by Felix Ajide
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Osun trains 150 quality assurance officers in schools – SUBEB boss

NAN-H-51
Schools
By Ajibola Olaniyi
Osogbo, Sept. 21, 2016(NAN) Alhaji Fatai Kolawole, the Permanent Secretary of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in Osun, says the board has trained 150 quality assurance officers on capacity building.

Kolawole, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday said that the officers were in different schools across the state.

He said that the capacity training for the officers became imperative in the face of the need to entrench quality universal basic education in the country.

According to him, the commencement of education quality assurance in basic education institutions in November, 2012 by UBEC marks a milestone in the planning, implementation, and measurement of quality basic education in Nigeria.

The permanent secretary further explained that capacity building training for quality assurance officers would contribute to ensuring the attainment of minimum standards in the input and output process that would make pupils and students alike more responsible.

“The issue of access and equity as envisaged by the founding fathers of UBEC is being met through this concept.

“It is apt to state that large learning achievement gap that exist between the private and public schools can only be bridged through a more scientific approach to quality assurance activities,” Kolawole said.

He maintained that the present administration in Osun “is strongly determined to reform education sector in the state, particularly in elementary and middle schools, which form the foundation for education growth.”

Kolawole noted that government in the state had embarked on several giant strides in the education sector, which includes infrastructure  developments such as construction of 16 Model schools and 15 storey building Model Middle Schools.

He added that Osun was the first state to organise quality assurance workshop for its officers among other states in Nigeria. (NAN)
DOO/GY
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Edited/Controlled by Grace Yussuf

NAN-H-19
Votes
By Ehigimetor Igbaugba
Benin, Sept. 21, 2016 (NAN) As the Sept. 28 Edo Governorship election approaches, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo South Senatorial District, have assured the party of their votes.

The Senatorial District Leader, Mr Gentleman Amegor, disclosed this on Wednesday in Benin while speaking with newsmen at the end of a meeting with other party members.

He said that the leaders had been mandated to deliver their wards and units to APC.

Amegor said that they had resolved to deliver the seven local government areas in the district and the units under them to the party during the exercise.

“We have resolved to deliver the Senatorial district to Godwin Obaseki,’’ the APC leader said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the leaders arrived at their resolution after over three hours’ meeting in Benin.

Amegor said the party had put forward a candidate that “is not only experienced, but also has the credibility and integrity to be the next governor of the state’’.

He said what all the leaders needed was to fully sensitise and mobilise the people to cast their votes for Obaseki, the APC candidate in the race.

According to him, Obaseki has been part of Oshiomhole’s success story in the last seven years.

“The people must be reminded not to allow themselves to be deceived again. They must be corrected about the lies being peddled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“We believe in Obaseki. He has done much for the state and has so much more to do.

“He wants to continue with the work started by Oshiomhole. He wants to create more jobs and has also drawn out empowerment programme for our youths and women,’’ Amegor said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) postponed the election initially scheduled to hold on Sept.10, due to security reasons.

No fewer than 1.9 million voters are expected to cast their votes for the candidates of their choice involving 19 political parties, while over 18,000 electoral staff are expected to officiate in the exercise. (NAN)
ESI/DUA/AJA
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(Edited by Dada Ahmed and controlled by Adeleye Ajayi)

NAN-HE- 12

Illiteracy

By Cecilia Ologunagba

Abuja, Sept. 21, 2016 (NAN) A Statistician, Prof. Teju Jolayemi, has advised the Federal Government to address the 64 per cent illiteracy rate to enhance economic growth in the country.

Jolayemi, a lecturer at the University of Ilorin, Kwara gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

He described the level of illiteracy in the country as unbearable.

“The most important thing is that the illiteracy level which is at 64 per cent must change for us to plan with statistics to achieve development.

“People cannot talk in America without quoting statistics but here some government officials believe in implementing projects without planning with statistics,’’ the don said.

Jolayemi said that developed countries had been able to achieve sustainable development with the aid of statistics.

He, however, commended the Federal Government on the new policy of making Mathematics compulsory for admission into the universities.

“I am happy to say English and Mathematics are compulsory to gain admission into the universities now, not like before that some courses don’t require credit in Mathematics.

“Some people will get admission to study some art courses and they will say they don’t need Mathematics, but when they give them salary, they will not say they don’t need it.

“Is the salary not Mathematics and so we must change our illiteracy level,’’ he said.

The don also advised the government to address the increasing population by formulating policies that would address the growth rate.

According to him, growth in any community is influenced by fertility, death and migration.

“Growth is majorly influenced by fertility; it is our fertility that we should focus on because people are not coming in to settle in the country.

“Our population will double in 17 and half years (2033) with the 3.5 per cent growth rate now.’’

He also advised the government to invest in the key sectors of the economy to revive the country from recession.

“First, the government should revive the manufacturing sector, invest in agriculture and also there should be investment in electricity.

“They are key sectors that are needed for the economy to be revived; those in the sectors need capital but the two digits interest rate is too high for them to get loans,’’ the don said. (NAN)

CIA/EEE

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Edited by Ese E. Ekama

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NAN-H-18
Retirement
Kano, Sept. 21,2016 (NAN) Having attained the retirement age of 60 in the civil service, Alhaji Mohammed Bashir, the State Director in National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kano, retired on Wednesday.

He has handed over the office to Malam Mohammed Aliyu, the most senior deputy director.

A statement signed by Mr Olayinka Olawore, the Public Relations Officer in Kano office of the agency, disclosed this on Wednesday.

The statement said Bashir was promoted to a director from deputy director on July, 31, 2012.

“During his tenure, he worked to reposition the agency along with its various units and organs into a proactive, knowledge-based and activity-driven agency,” it said.

In a brief session with workers in the office, the outgoing director expressed gratitude to the Federal and State Governments for giving him the opportunity to serve the nation as NOA Director.

Bashir thanked the staff for their cooperation while in office, adding that he would remain an advocate and ambassador of the agency wherever he found himself.

Responding, Aliyu wished the outgoing state director the best of luck in his future endeavours.
He also called on the staff for their support and cooperation to enable him move the agency to another level. (NAN)
BO/TA
Edited/controlled by Tajudeen Atitebi

NAN-H-48

Tremor

Abuja, Sept. 21, 2016(NAN) The Senate has expressed its readiness to deliberate on measures aimed at addressing the reoccurrence of earth tremor in Kaduna State.

This followed a Point of Order by Sen. Danjuma La’ah at plenary on Wednesday.

La’ah in his point of order drew attention of the senate to the need to address the problem to prevent it from degenerating into an earthquake.

He said that the tremor if not promptly addressed, could cause more havoc to the affected areas.

According to him, some areas in Kaduna have been experiencing earth tremor and it is of a serious concern to those of us in the area.

“One of such tremors happened in Jaba Local Government Area’’.

“It is a serious issue and I am requesting this house to call on the relevant agencies to assess the situation before it gets out of hand.

“If nothing urgent is done, there may be earthquake in the near future.’’

In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Dr  Bukola Saraki, said that the development required the contribution of relevant stakeholders.

He said due to the seriousness of the matter, La’ah should present a motion for robust debate on the way forward.

“I believe that the best way is in a way of motion. The matter is important enough for us to come under a motion.

“When it is presented, we will debate on this floor and look at the way forward.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that earth tremor, which is a small scale earthquake, occurred in Kaduna on Sept. 11 and 12 respectively. (NAN)

CJM/ICN/EEE

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Edited by Ese E. Ekama

NAN-H-49
Safety
By Tukur Muntari
Kano, Sept. 21, 2016 (NAN) Kano State Government on Wednesday accused owners of fuel stations of disregarding safety management guiding their operations in the state.

Alhaji Idi Bukar, the Senior Special Assistant (Disaster Management) to the governor made the accusation at a One-Day Training Workshop on Fire Safety, organised for managers of fuel stations in Kano.

He said that the dangers posed by inflammable products to life and property called for serious concern from both government and the station owners.

He said that the workshop became necessary to remind owners of filling stations of the importance of safety management in their activities.

“You should bear in mind that any negligence on your part or your workers can lead to avoidable loss of lives and property,” Bukar said.

He recalled that last December, a fuel tanker laden with petrol skidded the road in Lagos and spilled its content.

“It caught fire which destroying over 30 houses,” he said.

The governor’s aide also cited another example in May, when another fuel tanker was discharging petrol into a storage tank and caught fire, destroying part of the station.

He said that the NNPC Hotoro Depot in Kano was located in residential area making it dangerous in the event of any explosion.

“God forbids, if fire accident occurs in the depot, it can be disastrous and may lead to colossal loss of lives and property,’’ he said.

He suggested that movement of fuel tankers should be restricted to filling stations in order to avoid possible explosion in the city.

“Allowing movement of fuel tankers in residential areas can result in fatal loss of lives and property,” Bukar said.

He assured that the state government would continue to support the state fire service department in order to enhance its operation. (NAN)
MTM/AIB/GY
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NAN-H-47
Campaign
By Martins Odeh
Abuja, Sept.21, 2016 (NAN) The National Council for Women Societies (NCWS) has urged the public to embrace “Change begins with me’’, campaign of the Federal Government in order to restore declining moral in the country.

The NCWS National President, Mrs Gloria Shoda, gave the advice when she received the executive members of Initiative for Women’s Accelerated Development in Africa (INWOAD), in Abuja on Wednesday.

Shoda described the programme as a laudable feat aimed at ensuring increased family values as well.

The NCWS president said women in particular must show the way by training their children on the right path of discipline, hard work and integrity.

“This attitudinal change, if properly imbibed, will evolve a new Nigeria devoid of corruption and intolerable vices,’’ she said.

Shoda, however, said all women groups and associations would be assisted and carried along by NCWS to accelerate their development.

“The council is committed to ensuring that our women are trained on several skill acquisitions. This will greatly improve their finances.

“We are especially interested in improving and of course empowering the rural women through various opportunities that will be launched,’’ she said.

Earlier, Ms Evelyn Onyilo, President of the non-governmental organisation, said women were natural agents of change.

Onyilo urged that women-based NGOs be brought into the picture in `Change begins with me’’ campaign to ensure faster realisation of its aims and objectives.

“The Nigerian public truly requires change of attitude; from evil to good virtues. That is the only way we can collectively reverse some of the woes confronting us as a nation.

“The country will not attain the much needed development if women, children and youths are left out of the equation,’’ Onyilo said.

Onyilo said that the mission of INWOAD was  “simply to mobilise women to actively participate in national development and to ensure adequate legislations on women issues.

“We are proud of the efforts of the National Council of Women Societies over these years in trying to empower women and to give them voices.

“The Initiative for Women’s Accelerated Development in Africa has come to visit you to congratulate you on your recent election into the highest office of the society.’’

Onyilo said that INWOAD was prepared to synergise with the NCWS in the pursuit of gender equity in the country

She, however, urged Shoda to use her office to upscale the efforts of the society to positively touch more women. (NAN)
OMO/DUA./OFN
Edited by Dada Ahmed//Felix Nwadioha